January 2025

Troy Kotsur and Erinn Anova in “Cyrano” at the Fountain Theatre (2012).

Just announced: The Fountain Theatre has earned 6 LA Drama Critics Circle Award nominations for its acclaimed 2012 productions of Cyrano and In the Red and Brown Water.  In addition, the Fountain has also been honored by the LADCC with the Polly Warfield Award for Best Overall Season in 2012.

The 2012 LADCC Award nonminations for the Fountain:

• Best Production – Cyrano
• Best Director – Simon Levy, Cyrano
• Best Director – Shirley Jo Finney, In the Red and Brown Water
• Best Lead Performance – Troy Kotsur, Cyrano
• Best Ensemble – In the Red and Brown Water
• Best Writing (Adaptation) – Stephen Sachs, Cyrano

The Polly Warfield Award for an excellent season in a small to mid-size theater will be awarded to The Fountain Theatre. The 2012 Fountain season included the west coast premiere of El Nogalar by Tanya Saracho, the world premiere of Cyrano by Stephen Sachs, the United States Premiere of The Blue Iris by Athol Fugard, and the Los Angeles Premiere of In the Red and Brown Water by Tarell Alvin McCraney. The award is accompanied by an honorarium funded by the Nederlander Organization.

The Fountain/Deaf West Theatre world premiere co-production of Cyrano ran for 4 sold-out months in 2012 and drew much critical acclaim. In the Red and Brown Water opened in October to rave reviews including being heralded as “Best in Theater 2012” by the Los Angeles Times.  The acclaimed production has been extended and is still running at the Fountain to Feb 24th.  

“In the Red and Brown Water” at the Fountain Theatre

photos by Ed Krieger

More Info on the 2012 LADCC Award Nominations

This entry was posted in actors, Arts, director, Drama, Fountain Theatre, new plays, performing arts, plays, playwright, Theater, theatre and tagged 2012 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, American Sign Language, ASL, Athol Fugard, Best in Theater 2012, Cyrano, Cyrano de Bergerac, deaf, deaf actor, Deaf West Theatre, director, El Nogalar, Erinn Anova, Fountain Theatre, In The Red and Brown Water, LADCC, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, Los Angeles Times, Nederlander Organization, new plays, nominations, performing arts, plays, playwriting, Polly Warfield, Shirley Jo Finney, Simon Levy, Stephen Sachs, Tanya Saracho, Tarell Alvin McCraney, The Blue Iris, theater, Troy Kotsur, West Coast Premiere, world premiere. Bookmark the permalink.

Ed Krieger, 2006.

by Stephen Sachs

A life in the theatre is filled with photographs. We who act, direct, write, compose, design, produce or publicize theatre make use of countless of photographs, in a career and a lifetime. Production stills, headshots, publicity photos, prints for posters, snapshots for marketing brochures. We post JPEGS of ourselves in plays and musicals on social media, upload pictures of past performances for grant applications, embed digital images into our portfolios. At the Fountain Theatre, in our archive room, we have catalogued a collection of photographs chronicling the history of our organization going back thirty years. Hundreds, probably thousands, of pictures. Black and white and in color. Most of them taken by one remarkable man: Ed Krieger.

I got heartbreaking word last week that Ed had passed away at home on December 16, 2020. He had been fighting health issues for the past year and a half, but remained in good spirits. Ed was an essential member of our Fountain Family for twenty-five years, and a beloved photographer for the Los Angeles theatre community for decades. And he was my friend.

Born in Chicago, Ed graduated from Gage Park High School on the South Side. He studied biology and theater at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. In 1985, he married Heather Blades, a graduate from UC Irvine. They each performed in plays and musicals throughout Southern California, appearing on stage together in 42^nd Street and The Pajama Game at Downey Civic Light Opera. They had two children, daughter Courtenay and son Will.

Whenever I gave Ed Krieger a call to shoot photos of a current production at my theatre, I was guaranteed two things. First, I knew I would get high quality stills that captured the theatrical essence and energy of our show, shot in a professional and easy-going manner. Second, I could bank on getting a flurry of theater stories from Ed, usually about the other shows he was shooting (and their companies), his own precarious exploits as a musical actor (auditions he failed, or the ones that he aced), and the blossoming careers of his kids. I loved seeing the joy spread on Ed’s face when he spoke about Courtenay and Will, he was so clearly proud of them.

The photographs of Ed Krieger have played a crucial role in the success of my theatre. For one quarter of a century, Ed pulled up in his van outside our building on Fountain Avenue, lugged his equipment into our theatre, and took millions of pictures of thousands of our theatre artists. Multiply that by fifty, by one hundred, by two hundred other theater companies throughout the Los Angeles area and you get an idea of the immense contribution this man has made to our livelihood, our business, and our art.

Production photos by Ed Krieger at the Fountain Theatre.

I imagine that of the dozens and dozens of Los Angeles theater companies who worked with Ed Krieger over the years, each and every one thought of Ed as their photographer, he was theirs. That is just how you felt about Ed. He was yours. He was like your favorite uncle, the one you loved, the one with the camera, who laughed and joked and told stories while he happily snapped photos of you and your family.

I pray that L.A. Stage Alliance reaches out to Ed’s family at the appropriate time to secure the massive archive of images Ed has captured with his camera, all now stored at his home.  In those stacks and stacks of cardboard boxes, in those miles of Kodak film, on those gigabytes of imagery, lies the history of us all. The work we have done, the art we have created, the lives we have changed, the friends we have found, the families we have made, and the city we have chronicled and helped put on the national map. Ed photographed that, for us all.  

At the request of the Krieger family, those wishing to honor Ed may make a donation in his name to The Actors Fund.

Stephen Sachs in the Artistic Director of the Fountain Theatre.             

This entry was posted in artist, Arts, arts organizations, Drama, Journalism, Los Angeles, non-profit organization, Theater, theatre and tagged Ed Krieger, Fountain Theatre, Los Angeles, photo, photographer, Stephen Sachs, theater, theatre. Bookmark the permalink.

by Terri Roberts

Like most of us here in Los Angeles, I’ve spent much of this week watching in stunned disbelief as terrifying images of apocalyptic fires decimated LA neighborhoods, destroyed schools, centers of worship, and cultural landmarks, and redefined the landscape of LA County.

Pacific Palisades? Virtually wiped out. Altadena? Decimated. Sunset Blvd.? Wrecked. Runyon Canyon? Seared. The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center? Burned to the ground. The iconic Pacific Coast Highway? Now a smokey ghost town of once beautiful beachfront homes. And the list goes on and on…

The numbers are staggering, and constantly changing. For four days now, five simultaneous fires fueled by unprecedented hurricane-strength winds, have scorched 34K+ acres of land from Altadena to West Hills to Pacific Palisades. More than 10,000 structures have been lost between the Pacific Palisades and Eaton blazes, and 180,000+ people have been forced to flee their homes, most of which are now nothing but charred rubble and smoldering memories.

But in the midst of all this devastation, there are also countless reports of goodwill that spark gratitude and hope. People voluntarily searching for their neighbor’s lost pets. Buddies showing up to fight fire with determination and garden hoses in an effort to save their friend’s homes. Firefighters from across CA and neighboring states pitching in to help weary LAFD teams. Law enforcement and National Guard protecting vulnerable property remains from looters. Grateful residents raising thousands of dollars to bring food, water and restaurant meals to hungry first responders. The Rose Bowl filling up with donations of water, food, diapers, baby formula, clothing and more. (Note: this site has now relocated to St. Andrew Church at 311 N. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena.)

This is community.

On Thursday morning I caught an interview with MSNBC anchor Katy Tur who was talking with Rabbi Mendy Piekarski and Head Rabbi Dovid Weiss of Chabad of Topanga. Not only did these men manage to rescue the sacred Torah scrolls from their synagogue, but they were also working around the clock to help anyone in need.

“Right now it’s about being there for each other, especially families with young kids and elderly people. They need a lot of love and support,” Rabbi Piekarski said. “We’re doing our best to be there to support everyone…We’re the only synagogue in Topanga, so we take responsibility for everyone in the community to make sure they have a safe place. This is what we’ve been doing non-stop for the past 48 hours.”

Added Rabbi Weiss, “If you’re in Topanga and you need any help, please don’t hesitate to call us: 310/455-1597.” Katy Tur then repeated the phone number following the interview.

This is community.

Here at the Fountain, we are heartbroken to hear that so many of our Fountain Family and LA theatre friends have lost their homes or been otherwise seriously impacted by the fires. We stand ready to help however we can, such as making our surplus costume stock available to those in need of clothing. Email me at [email protected] to make those arrangements.

Additionally, our good friends over at the fabulous volunteer/service organization, Big Sunday, (“We connect people through helping”) shared with us a wonderful resource list they created. Below is an edited-for-space version of that list. More resources are available at www.bigsunday.org. May all this data be of use to you.

To our beloved patrons, colleagues, volunteers, and friends, we are here for you. Theatre folk are devoted. We take care of each other. No matter if you have performed on our stages, worked backstage, witnessed our shows, volunteered for us, or are a supporter, acquaintance or friend, we are by your side, in our hearts, and here to help.

Because this is community…

Resources for ways to offer/receive help. (Courtesy of Big Sunday)

For those looking to help

• Jenna Cooper is offering a hub where you can donate things to people who need them now. Or, if you have lost your home or are evacuated, you’re welcome to come and take what you need, charge your phone, and feel the love of LA. They have clothing, toys and people who want to help you. They are accepting: very gently used, clean Women, Men’s and Kids clothing and shoes, jackets, beanies, gloves, NEW underwear and socks. New toys and art supplies for kids. Phone chargers, Mophies, hangers, clothing racks, extension cords, backpacks, dog and cat toys, leashes and dog beds. Especially GIFT CARDS! It’s all at +COOP at 7282 Beverly Boulevard near Hancock Park. Today through Sunday, 10-6. Stop by, or sign up here.
• Our friends at The Volunteer Collective have compiled an excellent (and growing) list of volunteer opportunities to help those affected by the fires.
• The LA Times has also provided a list of places where you can help.

Stay Informed:

Emergency Services and Shelter Resources:

• American Red Cross: Find open shelters by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
• LA County Emergency Alerts: Sign up for real-time updates at alert.lacounty.gov.
• Cal Fire Incident Reports: Access current wildfire updates at fire.ca.gov.
• Animal Evacuation Assistance: LA County Animal Care and Control (661-940-4191) is offering shelter and resources for displaced pets and livestock.

Mental Health and Emotional Support:

• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (available 24/7)
• LACPA’s Disaster Response Committee: Contact us if you or someone you know needs psychological first aid or guidance on managing the emotional toll of this crisis.
• Coping Resources: CALHOPE.ORG

Additional Resources

Emergency Loans

The Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) provides critical financial support to those in need – of all faiths – including all those affected by this disaster. They offer zero-interest, zero-fee emergency loans of up to $15,000 to eligible applicants. These loans can be used for essential expenses such as: temporary housing/hotel stays, food, clothing, medical expenses, transportation and vehicle replacement, or other emergency expenses.

The application process is simple and straightforward. The application is here.

Take good care, and know that all of us at Big Sunday are here if you need us. Email me at [email protected] or try [email protected].

This entry was posted in Chabad of Topanga, colleagues, Community, disasters, Fountain Family, Fountain Theatre, Gratitude, Hollywood, patrons, St. Andrew Church, Theater, theatre, volunteers and tagged Biig Sunday, Fountain Theatre, Katy Tur, Los Angeles, MSNBC, theater, theatre. Bookmark the permalink.

A 19-year-old son faces the hardest day in his life when he testifies in federal court against his father after informing on him to the FBI. The Fountain Theatre presents the world premiere of Fatherland, a new work of verbatim theater conceived and directed by Fountain artistic director Stephen Sachs. Performances take place February 25 through March 30, with Pay-What-You-Want previews beginning February 22.

The first defendant to stand trial for the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol, Guy Reffitt was found guilty on five criminal counts and sentenced to 7¼ years in prison — based in part on emotional testimony by his son. Fast-moving, powerful, and theatrical, Fatherland erupts verbatim from official court transcripts, case evidence, and public statements.

“This play is not a political diatribe,” says Sachs. “It’s the true personal story of a father and a son and the dangerous propaganda that drove them apart. Every word of it is true. It’s a shout of warning in this election year.”

”The heartbreaking family tragedy at the center of this true story is a brilliant window on the staggering human costs of the rise of fascism and the assault on democracy in America,” comments Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan, whose play Building the Wall debuted at the Fountain in 2017.

Ron Bottitta (previously seen in Fountain Theatre productions of The Lifespan of a Fact and The Children, the voice of Carver Butcher on Call of Duty: Vanguard) stars as The Father, opposite Patrick Keleher (recurring co-star, The Egos on Amazon Prime) as The Son. Anna Khaja (AMC’s The Walking Dead: World Beyond) and Larry Poindexter (ABC’s Station 19, Days of Our Lives) take on the roles of the U.S District and Defense Attorneys.

The creative team includes scenic designer Joel Daavid; lighting designer Alison Brummer; sound designer Stewart Blackwood; costume designer Danyele Thomas; properties designer Jenine MacDonald;and graphics designer David Mellen. The production stage manager is Sati Thyme. Barbara Herman is executive producer; Dr Robert G Meadow and Carrie Menkel Meadow are producers; Simon Levy and James Bennett produce for the Fountain Theatre.

Stephen Sachs is the award-winning author of 19 plays produced in theaters across the United States and translated worldwide. His international hit, Bakersfield Mist, ran for three months on London’s West End starring Kathleen Turner, and Sweet Nothing in my Ear was made into a TV movie starring Marlee Matlin and Jeff Daniels. Over a theater career spanning nearly 40 years, Sachs has been honored with multiple awards, including the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award and two Ovation Awards for Best Director. He was recently honored by the Los Angeles City Council for “his visionary contributions to the cultural life of Los Angeles.”

The Fountain Theatre is dedicated to presenting outstanding theater that challenges thinking while shining an artistic light on social justice issues and on the diverse voices and cultures within Los Angeles. The L.A. City Council  commended the Fountain for “achieving a position of leadership in the Los Angeles theatre community… producing meaningful new plays of social and political importance that enrich the lives of the citizens of Los Angeles.” The Fountain is the recipient of the Los Angeles Drama Circle’s Margaret Harford Award for sustained excellence in theater, presented for “outstanding productions of meaningful new plays and first-class performances spanning three decades.” Los Angeles Times theater critic Charles McNulty  hailed the Fountain, stating “No L.A. theater has done a better job of asking us to reexamine our lives through the lens of acute contemporary drama.”

TICKETS/MORE INFO

This entry was posted in actors, stage, Theater, theatre and tagged actors, Anna Khaja, Fatherland, Fountain Theatre, Larry Poindexter, Los Angeles, new plays, Patrick Keleher, performing arts, Ron Bottitta, Stephen Sachs, theater, theatre. Bookmark the permalink.